Hi all!

I bought a '12 MCS last month (my first MINI! in PW/B. I've been going back and forth on whether or not to get bonnet stripes put on, and I need some opinions of other fine MINI drivers! I like the classy look of the car as she is now, but I also really think the stripes add some sportiness. I guess I just see bonnet stripes as such an iconic MINI feature that I feel naked without them. Opinions?

Thanks!

My Hot Chocolate Clubman has Silver Stripes with Black Outer Pinstripes , I felt like it needed them since I have a Silver roof. I had every intention of putting them on my hatch but I realized now it does not need them. The hatch is Signal Green with black roof but I also have a black bonnet scoop, maybe that helps with making it look complete without the stripes.

What color body and roof combo do you have? It depends on how much contrast you need.

Miranda is pepper white with a black roof. I don't have a hood scoop or anything, so there really isn't much contrast to think of.

I like them and have the sport stripes because of the scoop and center exhaust tips as you can see in my sig pic.

Its not an S? I would definitely get some black stripes on Pepper White with no scoop. The sport stripes like AustinS has would be a great idea but the standard ones would look nice too.

You can always add them later although factory-installed stripes are always the best option. I suspect in fact that stripes are easier to add if you want them than remove if you don't. I agree that stripes - especially the bonnet stripes - are quintessential MINI and I see the car as somewhat "naked" without them.

Derp derp, my mistake. Friday brain. It is an S, but the scoop is the same color as the car so it doesn't add any contrast.

I really like the sport stripes. Those look good! Is getting the stripes put on at a MINI dealer the way to go?

I added the sport stripes to my MINI after I'd had it a year. Call it a birthday present... but I really do like the look. These are the "official" stripes, purchased at the dealer. I had them applied there as well, when I took the car in for its 12-month maintenance.



Spridget

No problem. I'd say unless you plan to go with a black scoop just go ahead and get the stripes.

All dealers differentiate with pricing so you should pass by when you get a chance and ask for the stripes you want, whether standard stripes (these are S specific because it has a little bend in it) or sport stripes plus labor for installation. They may need to order the stripes which take a few days, then you need an appointment for the install.

There is nothing complicated about vinyl on a car so if you know any good local vinyl/sign place you can just get them to make you what you want. A great thing is they usually have any color vinyl you want in stock and its all done that same day. You can get fancy or just keep it like OEM. Take a printed image with you of what you want just so its perfectly clear and they will knock it out quick. And it should be a good difference cheaper than your dealer. You can also get a few extra things done like roof, tail, mirrors.

Here's some stock, special edition, and custom ideas

My thinking was: it's a Cooper. It needs "Cooper stripes". So I got them. It's fun to see 1960's GP footage and say, "there's another Cooper...you can tell by the stripes". Among other clues, of course.

Very iconic.

I would take it to a independent shop. I bet they have better quality vinyl stripes than the stock stripes. I ordered mine with the bonnet stripes and I have always thought the quality could be better. Before delivery I had the dealer put on the clear vinyl to protect the hood mirrors etc. I am glad I did that as the front of my car would be sand blasted by now.

If you like either of the MINI stripes, go to www.miniusa.com and "build" your car and in the configurator add the stripes and see what it would look like. Then change to the other stripes.

Minis and MINIs and stripes are a tradition.

Running around nekkid is fun but not in public !!

Factory stripes are crap (for now I have them)! Go to a vinyl shop.

Funny, my factory stripes look flawless. Another advantage of the dealer Sport Stripes is that they're pre-cut to fit around the MINI badges, front and rear.

Spridget